Lagos Assembly moves to create legislative institute to mark Obasa’s 10 years as Speaker

Months after he escaped being removed as the Speaker by his colleagues at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa is marking the 10th-year anniversary of his Speaker-ship with the establishment of a legislative institute and an annual legislative award ceremony.

The state lawmakers were quoted to have said the moved, meant to honour him, would immortalize his contributions of being the longest serving speaker in the history of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Presenting the motion under the Matter of Urgent Public Importance, a lawmaker Hon. Oladipo Ajomale noted that Obasa had exemplified resilience, maturity, and focus in legislative leadership, especially during challenging political moments.

He stressed that the speaker’s handling of recent internal challenges with utmost tact and experience is a proof of his unmatched leadership qualities.

Echoing the sentiment, Deputy Majority Leader, Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, described the Speaker’s 10-year journey as a rosy and impactful one.

He highlighted some transformative strides made under his watch since 2015.

“Indeed, you have not just led, you have taught, mentored, and embodied the spirit of progressive governance,” the lawmaker added.

Describing the speaker as a mentor and a proven legislator, Owolabi Ajani stressed Obasa’s commitment towards ensuring the Lagos State House of Assembly to become a model institution nationwide.

Former filmmaker Desmond Elliot urged Obasa to document his legislative journey and ideology in a book to serve as a legacy of knowledge for future lawmakers.

Affirming the Speaker’s influence on many Members, Gbolahan Yishawu stressed the need to immortalize his leadership with the establishment of the legislative Institute and a written memoir.

Other lawmakers took turns to extol the virtues of the speaker all praised Obasa’s legislative depth, strategic foresight, and firm protection of institutional integrity.

Responding to the accolades, Obasa gave all glory to God, thanking his family, his constituents in Agege and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he credited for playing a key role in his political journey.

He acknowledged the support of all members, and urged them to always prioritize the sanctity and autonomy of the House above all interests.

“From my days as a councillor in 1999 to my current seat as speaker, the people of Agege have stood firmly by me. I dedicate this honour to them,” Obasa said.

He appealed to the House to maintain unity, regardless of future leadership changes,

He said, “Let the House always come first. Do not allow any external interference to compromise this great institution”.

Following the deliberations, the House resolved to draft and pass a ‘Bill for the Establishment of a Legislative Institute in honour of Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.’

The lawmakers also decided to initiate an ‘Annual Legislative Award ceremony to recognize excellence among members, staff, and commissioners who distinguish themselves in service.

Recall that the assembly had impeached Obasa in January this year.

Obasa, who is serving his third term as speaker, was removed from his position over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.

The 52-year-old lawmaker, was replaced with Mojisola Meranda, the deputy speaker, who was subelected to lead the house.

Mudashiru Obasa, was later re-elected as the Speaker of the 40-member Assembly after interventions by perty elders, especially President Bola Tinubu.

In March, a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja declared the removal of the re-instated Speaker as illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.

In its judgment, the court also nullified the proceedings and resolutions of the House held on January 13, 2025, during which Obasa was ousted.

Trial judge, Justice Yetunde Pinheiro also awarded N500,000 as damages for the unlawful and illegal removal of Obasa and for the psychological embarrassment he suffered as a result of the illegal removal.